Council approves annexation and rezoning for 61‑unit single‑family development over Jenkins' objections

The Newnan City Council voted 6–1 on July 22 to approve an annexation and rezoning request to allow development of up to 61 single‑family detached homes on property identified by tax parcels 073B010033 and 073B010032. The project was previously considered March 25 and recommended for approval by the planning commission subject to conditions. The developer proffered conditions including masonry and Hardie board construction and accents, compliance with the city's RU‑7 standards for lot sizes and setbacks, a requirement that single‑family residences exceed 2,000 square feet, one‑ and two‑story detached homes sold fee simple, and final plat consolidation of tracts. Planning commission conditions included State Route 34 screening, 30–40 foot buffers to adjoining properties and a screening fence. A resident who lives near the property requested a fence and an undisturbed 35‑foot buffer for privacy; the developer agreed to amend the proposal to provide a 35‑foot undisturbed area in lieu of the original request. Council Member Cynthia Jenkins voted against the annexation, saying the city should be encouraging more affordable housing rather than higher‑price point single‑family homes. The council approved the planning commission report unanimously and then approved the annexation and rezoning with the amended buffer in a 6–1 vote. The developer provided a price range for the homes in the agenda materials of $450,000 to $620,000. The annexation parcels include portions of county land; staff noted Georgia law prohibits creating landlocked county islands, which is why only portions of the parcels were annexed. The vote changes the parcels’ zoning from general commercial to urban residential single‑family (high density) for the annexed portions. Final plat approval and development permits remain required before any construction begins.